Goin' Be Kick Ass, Just Sleeves and A Hood Shrug

It is not often Alexandra gives me the opportunity to knit for her, so when she does, I really listen to what she wants. She loves to design clothing, and had very specific ideas in mind for this project. The best part is that she loves it now that it's finished and was anxious to wear it. And when it comes to knitting for others, that excitement is what we hope for but do not always see. And I think she looks beautiful in her "Just Sleeves and A Hood".

Knitters For Peace...Make Hats, Not War!

As knitters knit the "World Peace Hat", I thought it would be interesting not only to see their hats all in one place, but also where everyone is from. After all, peace is on all of our minds all over the world. This beautiful version in pinks and purples was knit by Jenni from South Dakota.

This gorgeous version of the Peace Hat was knit by Adrienne in Gig Harbor, Washington, and is modeled by her beautiful daughter. The corrugated rib is a very pretty addition.

Give Peace A Chance

Peace in this world, is it possible? Spreading the message of peace is just one small way to show that you are against war, whether through a song with a powerful message, or knitting peace hats for yourself and others to wear. I am excited because I have knit this hat recently for my sister-in-law Sue who will be leaving soon for a visit to Ireland, and she wanted this hat to wear while there. So cool, my peace hat will travel to Ireland and make it's statement, however small.

My beautiful children and grandchildren...July 16, 2005

Pictures are always a treasure to have and bring memories of happy days flooding in. How quickly the years fly...Skyla, Jaylen, Katia, Alexandra, and Zach!

Fiberella

A new year, a new decade beginning. My 2nd project of the year is Fiberella, a needlefelted fiber-fairy witchy sort of woman, old and wise, cunning and crafty, with a gleam in her eye.

Hand Knit Skirt in Euroflax Linen

This skirt was an easy knit in Euroflax Linen. I love the drape this yarn has, it feels wonderful to wear and softens with each washing. And best of all, it is easy to care for as it is machine washable and dryable. It is modeled here by my beautiful daughter Alexandra.

Bandon, Oregon...Sept. 4th thru 7th, 2009

It had been 5 years since our family had been to Bandon. It is so beautiful there that I will never wait that long again. We have always visited during Labor Day weekend in September, and the weather has always cooperated. The beach is sandy with beautiful giant rock outcroppings including Face Rock, tide pools during low tide with plenty of starfish, anenomes and other creatures, and I am always amazed how hardly anyone is on the beach. It was a wonderful 4 days.

Lost Valley Music Festival 2009

The festival is fast approaching and still so much to do. This will be our 28th year putting this event on, which happens to be in our own backyard which is 2.5 acres of forested beauty at the base of the Cascade Mountains. It is a beautiful setting for outdoor music, great food, and awesome friends and family who join us. The Pears will be playing and will feature Alexandra, our daughter, on bari sax. Our son Zach plays drums in Pleasant Swill. We are hoping for cooler weather this year...last year we had a record scorcher of 108 degrees, although by afternoon we are drenched in the shade of Douglas and Grand Firs well over 100 years old.

Year Round Gardening

We have a 16 x 30' greenhouse that we have always wanted to build a raised bed inside of so that we could garden all year. This spring we finally did it! The bed is 18' 9" long by 3' 9" wide, with a height close to 3 feet above ground, perfect for sitting on the sides while working in the bed or just enjoying the ambiance of the greenhouse. We are currently harvesting many varieties of lettuce, bok choy, collards, spinach, mustard greens, and several varieties of tomatoes are going crazy, along with eggplant, peppers, walla walla sweet onions, cabbage and dill.

Waves of Ocean, Mountains, and Stream

Yesterday I completed my Lizard Ridge Afghan, I absolutely love it. It was a joy to knit and I loved the creative aspect of it. It reminds me of water flowing, sunsets on oceans, sandy beaches, coral reefs, deep ocean bottoms, mountains with streams meandering thru them, gently rolling hills, nature ever changing, constantly in motion which in turn helped me with my color selection. I am happy that I came upon this pattern designed by Laura Aylor, and can be found at http://www.knitty.com/ in the Fall 2006 collection. I highly recommend this pattern to anyone who loves to knit with color ♥